Liposuction

If you are ready to get rid of that unwanted fat that just will not go away with diet and exercise, liposuction may be for you. Maybe you are wanting to look your best for that upcoming wedding or reunion. You can see amazing results relatively easily with liposuction.

Is liposuction for me?

Liposuction can give excellent immediate reduction in fat to the neck, face and other areas of the body, but it is a surgical procedure. A thorough history and physical exam are required before determining if liposuction is right for you. Minor areas of fat or large volumes can be removed. Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to allow proper contouring and tightening of the neck. If you have excess fat, excess skin or sun-damaged skin, liposuction may not be right for you - you may need a neck lift and/or facelift. Fat can be removed and after processing injected into areas of the face to fill grooves. Your consultation with Dr. Stover is a time to discuss all of your options as well as the risks and what to expect as you recover.

How is liposuction performed?

Liposuction is usually perfomed in Dr. Stover's office with either IV sedation or general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist may be present to administer anesthesia during more major procedures. After using local and tumescent anesthesia where fat will be removed, small incisions are made and liposuction cannulas are used to suction fat. Small cannulas may be used if only small amounts of fat are to be removed. Larger cannulas are used to remove larger deposits of fat. Small sutures may or may not be used to close the incisions and light dressings may be applied.

Dr. Stover performs a technique called Micro Liposuction to remove smaller volumes of fat with minimal bruising and recovery. There is a very small risk of lumps or irregularities and most people can return to work in a day or two.

What to expect after liposuction?

Recovery varies depending upon the amount of fat being removed. After removing significant amounts of fat from the neck, recovery can last 1-2 weeks. A dressing is usually applied for about a week.  Expect swelling and bruising. Accumulations of blood are not uncommon and may need to be removed by aspiration with a needle and syringe. The skin may feel hard and slightly irregular for several months. Massage and steroid injections for irregularities may be needed.

When small amounts of fat are removed, the problems mentioned above are much less likely to occur.